Every form has a place.
Narrative
Stories with a distinct cinematic voice.
Documentary
Urgent realities, observed with honesty.
Short Film
Compact cinema with lasting impact.
Animation
Frame-by-frame worlds without limits.
Experimental
Form, image and sound reimagined.
Underground
Independent work beyond convention.
Music Video
Music translated into moving image.
Student Film
The next generation, in focus.
First Film
A bold first step into cinema.
AI Film
Human vision meeting new technology.
New Media
Stories built for emerging formats.
Screenplay
Cinema beginning on the page.
Photography
A complete story in a single frame.
Dates & deadlines.
Regular Deadline
5 OCT 2026Late Deadline
1 NOV 2026Extended · Scripts & Photos
21 NOV 2026Official Selection
21 DEC 2026Berlin Event
24 JAN 2027Choose how to submit.
Festhome
Submit free of charge through the official BGIFF page on Festhome.
FilmFreeway
You may also submit through our established FilmFreeway listing. The conditions for each deadline are shown there.
Submit on FilmFreewayHow to submit.
Choose the right category
Prepare your screener and details
Submit through FilmFreeway or Festhome
Keep your screener accessible
Receive the official result
Frequently asked questions.
Is premiere status required?
No. Previously screened or released work is welcome.
Do non-English films need subtitles?
Yes. Clear English subtitles are required for non-English dialogue.
Does Official Selection guarantee a screening?
No. The public programme is curated separately.
Are AI-assisted works accepted?
Yes, when the tools and their role are clearly declared.
Must I attend in Berlin?
No. Attendance is welcomed but is not required for eligibility.
Does Festhome charge an entry fee?
No. Submissions made through Festhome are free for this edition. Fees and refund conditions on other submission platforms are governed by the terms shown there.
By submitting, you confirm that you own or control all necessary rights. Complete Rules & Terms will govern all entries and festival participation.